In evaluating Mayor Chuck Reed’s record (Editorial, Sept. 9), the Mercury News overlooked the important component of city/county relations. I, for one, appreciate the mayor’s leadership in repairing and improving these relationships, which have taken a beating because of arguments and lawsuits related to the fairgrounds and redevelopment. Not only has he presided at a joint city/county meeting, but Mayor Reed has gone further by meeting personally with county supervisors on items of common interest. In short, Chuck Reed gets it. He understands what jurisdiction means and has demonstrated respect for, and an interest in, collaboration with the county. It seems his vision is for the city and the county to walk the path of cooperation and, in my estimation, he has already taken big steps in that direction.

Blanca Alvarado
Supervisor, Second District
Santa Clara County
Board of Supervisors

Soldiers will die

to no purpose

So Gen. David Petraeus claims six more months will do the job in Iraq. Since we are going to sacrifice the lives of 500 more soldiers and injure at least 2,000 more for that additional six months, can anyone tell us what the glorious results will be? The peace-with-honor routine was shown to be bogus in the Vietnam conflict, when an additional 20,000 soldiers were killed on President Nixon’s watch, and it is a tragedy to see it being replayed in Iraq and Afghanistan under President Bush’s sponsorship.

Michael B. Jennings
San Jose

Hispanics need

to hear from GOP

I am a Peruvian who has lived in the United States for 13 years. I am a naturalized citizen who registered as a Republican. I believe this is the right time for the Republican candidates to come out and speak directly to Hispanics. I believe Republicans have a lot to answer to the Hispanic audience. Republicans have the chance to show Hispanics where we stand and where we are going. Immigration is one of the most important issues that the candidates have to discuss. The fact that Democrats went on national Spanish language TV was very meaningful for Hispanics. Hispanics come from conservative roots and that’s where Republicans need to connect from. Republicans should have an open debate similar to the Democrats. They would not find a better chance to regain attraction to their party.

Roberto C. Araujo
San Jose

Use Moffett Field

or shut it down

Mountain View is killing Moffett Field. An under-utilized Moffett is a wasted opportunity. The few remaining users barely keep it alive. Wider use of Moffett would be a boost for Mountain View and Silicon Valley. The world wants a piece of the Silicon Valley action and is taking it. We can accommodate Silicon Valley business or be a thorn in its side. Moffett can be torn down, or we can sound-proof the homes. We must do something or the bean counters will pull the plug on Moffett. Use it or loose it. Set this bird free or kill it.

James Baloun
Palo Alto

Congress foolishly

allows surveillance

I was horrified to read that Congress caved in to the Bush administration by hastily passing the so-called “Protect America Act,” which gutted the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and expanded the warrantless wiretapping program. Once again, Congress was complicit in further erosion of the Constitution out of fear of political retribution. No surveillance program should be made permanent until Congress receives answers about what surveillance activities have been conducted over the last six years and how many Americans have had their rights violated.

Bob Lash
Redwood City

Health coverage

crucial for children

Thank you for your article, “Battle brewing on child health plan” (Page 4A, Sept. 8), which demonstrates the ambiguous future for children’s health care. Many children are at risk to lose or be denied coverage with the impending expiration of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) at the end of September. I worry most about my patients already facing obstacles to health care, those who take several buses for appointments, but never miss appointments. I help keep them healthy, on their way to success; however, if they lose coverage, they risk relying on more expensive emergency departments for future care. By continuing SCHIP, a program that works, we promise our children the best chance at a successful, healthy future. Please encourage Congress and the White House to support SCHIP renewal.

My family and I wholeheartedly endorse Jessica Evans’ support (Letters, Sept. 10) of state Sen. Sheila Kuehl’s SB 840. “We could have had a single, statewide not-for-profit health insurance company. One that would have covered everyone,” writes Evans. Her position on Gov. Schwarzenegger’s motivation for vetoing SB 840 was right on the mark. He is indebted to insurance and pharmaceutical companies. They, of course, oppose SB 840. California has an opportunity to lead the nation in single-payer, universal health care. Our taxes pay for roads, public safety, our libraries – why not our health care?

A transit village with apartments, retailers, restaurants and a hotel is rising in Milpitas next to The Great Mall, close to light rail and the under-construction BART station. It’s one of several Silicon Valley projects sprouting up near transit.